We will still collect waste domestic seating as part of our uplift service. However, the legislation affects the way we collect, store and manage POPS items.
POPS are poisonous chemical substances that break down slowly. POPS are now banned in manufacturing processes but were previously used in various products such as industrial chemicals and pesticides.
Items of waste containing POPS must be disposed of separately from other household waste.
POPS can be found in items with padding or cushions made from leather, synthetic leather, other fabric or foam, including:
- sofas, armchairs and sofa beds
- recliner chairs (electrical or mechanical)
- kitchen and dining room chairs
- garden furniture
- stools and foot stools
- office chairs that are fire resistant to domestic standards
- futons
- bean bags, floor and sofa cushions
- child car seats and upholstered highchairs and benches
The Persistent Organic Pollutants Regulations 2007 requires POPs to be destroyed to protect the environment and impacts on the food chain. They must be incinerated and never reused, recycled, or landfilled.
How can I dispose of these items?
- They can be placed in designated skips at our Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs).
If you’re not sure whether an item contains POPs, please speak to a member of staff who will be happy to help.
- You can book a special uplift.
Changes to these arrangements
Items containing POPs have to be separated from other household waste to be disposed of. Compliance with the regulations has resulted in increased costs of over £950,000 to the council in 2025/26.
As a result, we are making changes to the way we handle POPs. In the next few weeks:
POPs will only be accepted at three of our HWRCs - Netherton in Wishaw, Wardpark in Cumbernauld, and Stobcross Street in Coatbridge.
A separate special uplift must be arranged for items containing POPs. A charge of £80 will be made for these items, with a points system allowing up to a maximum of eight points per uplift.
Thank you for helping us manage household waste safely and responsibly.